Escapes: Free ice skating in Walnut Creek

Skate into the holiday season during the Children’s Winter Festival, which celebrates the opening of Walnut Creek’s downtown ice rink.

A whopping 8,000 square feet of ice makes up the outdoor rink, situated in Civic Park. The festival takes place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, when families can glide – or slip, fall and laugh – for free. There will also be live performances on the ice, refreshments, face painting, balloon artists and other entertainment.

What: How can you solve world hunger? Students in grades seven through 11 are welcome to put their ideas to the test at this workshop hosted by InventionX, an education program focused on science, technology, engineering and math. Lunch is provided.